Hana Taylor Earns National Student Production Award
Huntington University Arizona High School Early Entry student wins national award for animated short film
PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona is proud to announce that High School Early Entry (HSEE) student Hana Taylor has won the National Student Production Award (NSPA) for High School Animation/Graphics/Special Effects for her animated short film FISHBOWL. This national honor is presented through the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and represents a landmark achievement for both Taylor and her school community.
Taylor’s film, FISHBOWL, has earned sweeping acclaim across multiple festivals during the 2024-2025 competition year, winning Best Overall in each of its categories:
- 2025 PUSD Film Festival — Best Overall, Alice in Wonderland Animation
- 2024-2025 Rocky Mountain Southwest Student Production Awards — Best Overall, High School Animation/Graphics/Special Effects
- 2025 National Student Production Awards — Best Overall, High School Animation/Graphics/Special Effects
As a dual-enrollment student through Huntington University’s HSEE program, Taylor has taken university-level animation coursework at HU Arizona while completing her senior year at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona. She plans to enroll as a degree-seeking animation major at HU Arizona next fall.
A film of heart, craft and vision
FISHBOWL is a poignant animated story of perseverance and belonging — crafted, directed and animated by Taylor with remarkable discipline and vision. The film’s success reflects her intentional approach to collaboration, project management and artistic storytelling.
Taylor shared her gratitude for the support she has received throughout the filmmaking process: “Stay creative! Stay loving life and art and the world!”
Praise from her teachers and mentors
Taylor’s high school animation instructor, Bryce Budoff, expressed deep admiration for her exceptional commitment and artistry:
“It is an honor to have had an opportunity to work with Hana. She has taught me what it means to be a world-class finisher. Students who meet every production deadline, collaborate effectively, think creatively and truly finish are incredibly rare. Hana exceeds all of this.
“FISHBOWL is just one example of how she has blown me and her audiences away. Her early entry into Huntington played a major role — from college-level instructor feedback to the many students she worked with, Hana built a network and a level of confidence that made this possible.
“I am so happy that Hana has won this national title. The judges couldn’t have made a better decision. So much talent and artistry — so deserving.”
From the Huntington University faculty side, Christian Washington, associate faculty of animation at HU Arizona, added:
“Hana Taylor is an artist and storyteller that is as excellent as they come. Directing and completing an animated film while in high school — while also taking University classes — requires immense discipline and vision.
“Making something that is loved and receives national recognition is a massive accomplishment. FISHBOWL is a wonderful story about persevering when life is hard and finding where you fit in.
“Working with Hana has been a joy, and I could not be more proud of her diligence and her ability to exceed expectations before even graduating high school.”
A bright future ahead
Taylor represents the essence of HU Arizona’s commitment to nurturing creative young artists and preparing them for meaningful careers in animation, film and graphic design. Her accomplishments serve as a testament to her resilience, creativity and extraordinary potential.
Huntington University looks forward to welcoming Taylor as a full-time student next fall and celebrates her national achievement as a milestone moment for HU Arizona’s growing animation community.
Watch FISHBOWL
• NSPA Award Ceremony (timestamp 25:50): accessible via free livestream account
• Public film link
